Thanks to all the Blackpool Citizen readers (From Blackpool Citizen)

Thanks to all the Blackpool Citizen readers

5:20pm Tuesday 23rd December 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

The Citizen's Tins and Toys Appeal has surpassed all expectations and is set to have an enormous impact on families affected by domestic abuse.

Despite the economic climate, readers and the business community have made generous contributions since the launch in October.

The result was a lorry load of donations distributed to Fylde Coast Womens' Aid, (FCWA).

This year alone more than 2,500 women have accessed FCWA for support. They have had an estimated 1,700 children and young people reliant on them.

The organisation said the toys, food and toiletries donated is an unprecedented boost.

Readers’ donations are sure to have a massive impact, not only through the festive period, but well into the New Year to welcome children to the refuges and for birthdays.

Marilyn Haye, service manager at FCWA, said: “We are quite simply humbled by the generosity of the Citizen readers.

“Thank you to all the people and organisations of Blackpool and the Fylde that have so generously given to the Tins and Toys appeal.

“The amount of donations we have received has stunned all who work with FCWA.

“I want to assure all the people who have donated to the appeal, that it will have a huge impact on many women and children's lives making their Christmas much easier and hopefully happier.

"All the children and women we work with will receive gifts."

FCWA is an independent voluntary organisation and has been in existence since 1991. It provides services to support women and children who have or are experiencing domestic abuse in Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool.

It runs two refuges and a telephone helpline, and also provides outreach support and counselling services.

The huge response to the appeal was evident from the launch in October, with scores of people from all over Fylde handing in their donations at the Citizen's Clifton Street office in Blackpool.

Many in the business community also proved that they are willing to reach out a helping hand to families in crisis.

Among the contributors were, 21st Century Windows, Toys4U, The Beach Hut, Cleveleys and Booths in Lytham.

The staff at 21st Century Windows, Poulton, and their suppliers also provided a huge amount of donations and kindly provided a lorry to transport the goods to FCWA.

Citizen editor, Gill Ellis, said: “Even in these difficult times we have been stunned at the volume of contributions which have come from the whole spectrum of the community.

“All those who have given can be sure that their generosity will have a positive impact on many families.”

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)